Building secure attachments
Feeling confident in relationships
Secure attachments help children develop the confidence to build positive relationships with others.
- Secure relationships provide children with confidence to connect with others.
- Children develop relationship confidence through repeated positive experiences.
- Feeling accepted encourages children to participate and engage with others.
- Confident relationships continue to develop throughout childhood.
Through a child's eyes...
“When I feel confident with people, I can join in, connect and enjoy being with others.”
In everyday moments...
Children build relationship confidence through positive experiences with the important people in their lives. These experiences help children approach new relationships with growing confidence.
Simple ideas to try
- Greeting familiar people with confidence.
- Joining conversations and shared experiences.
- Initiating play with others.
- Building connections with new adults and children.
Building through relationships...
Positive relationships help children develop confidence in themselves and others. Feeling accepted and valued encourages children to build meaningful relationships.
Simple ideas to try
- Welcome children's ideas and conversations.
- Encourage children to connect with others.
- Celebrate children's relationship successes.
- Support children as they build new relationships.
Learning through play...
Play allows children to experience the enjoyment of connecting with others while developing confidence to communicate, participate and build relationships.
Simple ideas to try
- Encourage cooperative play experiences.
- Join children in shared games and activities.
- Support children to initiate play with others.
- Celebrate moments of teamwork and friendship.
Creating supportive spaces...
Children are more confident building relationships in welcoming and inclusive environments. Spaces that encourage interaction help children feel comfortable connecting with others.
Simple ideas to try
- Create welcoming gathering spaces.
- Provide opportunities for shared play.
- Encourage conversations and collaboration.
- Create environments where everyone feels included.
Supporting children across contexts...
At home ...
Family relationships provide children with their first experiences of connection and belonging. These experiences help children develop confidence to build relationships beyond the home.
Simple ideas to try
- Encourage conversations with family members.
- Create opportunities to spend time with others.
- Celebrate children's growing confidence.
- Support children as they meet new people.
In early learning settings...
Positive relationships with educators and peers help children develop confidence to participate, communicate and build friendships. These experiences strengthen children's sense of belonging within the learning community.
Simple ideas to try
- Welcome children warmly each day.
- Encourage positive peer interactions.
- Support children to join groups and activities.
- Celebrate children's growing confidence with others.
Try this today...
- Notice when your child confidently connects with others.
- Encourage your child to greet familiar people in their own way.
- Celebrate small moments of relationship success.
- Create opportunities for your child to spend time with trusted people.
- Reflect on how secure relationships support your child's confidence with others.